In a recent decision, the Provo City Council unanimously voted against a proposal to rezone a parcel of land for the construction of a data center. The proposal, submitted by B+F Timpanogos Tech, aimed to build a 66,000-square-foot, two-story data center at 1507 S. 180 East in Provo. The facility was projected to offer around 5MW of capacity, with potential expansion up to 30MW based on demand.
During the council meeting, numerous residents expressed concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts of the data center. Issues raised included increased noise levels, higher energy consumption, and potential rises in utility costs for local residents. One resident, who previously lived in Virginia—a state with a significant number of data centers—shared experiences of decreased quality of life and increased utility bills due to similar developments.
In response to these concerns, the council decided to wait until the completion of the city’s economic development study, expected later this spring, before reconsidering any rezoning applications for data centers. Mayor Marsha Judkins emphasized the need for caution, stating, “I think we just need to move cautiously and ask what will be best for Provo.”
The council’s decision reflects a commitment to balancing economic development with the well-being of Provo’s residents. By postponing the rezoning approval, the city aims to ensure that future developments align with the community’s interests and the city’s long-term plans.